The performances will be directed by Bonnie Hellman, who helmed the acclaimed long-run Los Angeles premiere of the show, with musical direction by piano accompanist Dean Mora.
The cast will be headed by Broadway’s Jason Graae, Kate Reinders, Andrew Samonsky and Beverly Ward.
Merrily We Roll Along, according to press notes, “begins in 1976, where we meet Franklin Shepard (Samonsky), an influential movie producer and former composer at the height of a successful career. As the story takes us backwards in time, we see the cost of that success, especially as relates to his idealism and his relationship with friends Charley Kringas (Graae) and Mary Flynn (Ward). The plot gradually moves us to the poignant moment in 1957 when the three meet on a rooftop in New York City -- naïve, hopeful dreamers on the cusp of bright futures.” Reinders plays Gussie.
Other cast members include Shaina Knox as Beth, Nathan Holland as Joe Josephson, Brian McDonald as Jerome, Michael Scott Harris and Angela Baumgardner as Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, Samantha Eve as Evelyn, Jesse Graham as Terry, Caleb Horst as Tyler, Fay James as K.T. and Samantha Winters as Meg.
The musical opened on Broadway in 1981 under the direction of Hal Prince. The book was adapted by Furth based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics.
Performances take place at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District, located at 1006 E. Main Street (the corner of Main and Laurel), Ventura. Tickets are $69.50 for the general public. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (805) 667-2900 or go to www.rubicontheatre.org.
